The National
Disaster Management Agency says the recent downgrading of the
2006 hurricane forecast must not be interpreted as reason to
be relaxed about preparing for a disaster.
In a new
forecast, just released, American forecasters have slightly
reduced the number of storms expected but still say that the
2006 Atlantic Hurricane Season will be above average with nearly
the entire month of September covered in storm activity
The revised
prediction is for 12 to 15 systems to pass through our region,
three of which have already gone, 7 to nine of them likely to
become hurricanes and three to four to become major hurricanes
generating winds in excess of 110 miles per hour.
The numbers
were revised downwards due to changes, observed in June and
July, in three critical ingredients that make up cyclones. "While
the prediction has been downgraded it still means that we are
facing a very active hurricane season and therefore our level
of preparedness should continue", NaDMA Coordinator Sylvan
McIntyre said.
"Early
in the season we have seen the emergence of three named systems
so far. It is an indication that the latter part of the season
is likely to be very intensive and those systems are likely
to be very close in light of that it means we have had ample
time to prepare", he added.
The previous
prediction was for 13 to 16 systems to come through the Atlantic
with 8 to ten of them likely to become hurricanes and four to
six likely to become major hurricanes.
NaDMA has
been working with the Point Salines Met Office, to adequately
inform the population. McIntyre says persons will know well
in advance if a storm is headed in the direction of Grenada.
"NaDMA
will be issuing periodic releases, warning the public of what
is to come. We do have a very effective warning mechanism that
links with the Point Salines Met office which has been working
well for us so far", Mcintyre said.
"In
light of the prediction and any forecast we will be in a position
to inform the nation as time goes on. "So we advise the
public do not become complacent, keep listening to NaDMA. If
there is a system approaching us, they will be guided accordingly",
he remarked.
